About Sekonic L-478DR

More than an exciting new Sekonic Meter,the Sekonic LITEMASTER PRO L-478DR/D it's a rebirth of the story of light measurement. Sekonic's new LITEMASTER PRO L-478-Series meters are the world's first touch-screen-operated light meters and have unique, must-have features for both still and motion story tellers. Their compact size is both instantly familiar and comfortable to use. The large LCD (2.7") displays ambient, flash, cine and a host of other information in a clear and understandable way. Settings are made by simply touching or sliding a finger over the screen.

This L-478DR has same features as the L-478D and adds: • PocketWizard triggering and Flash Power Setting w/ControlTL radios. Control Nikon, Canon and select studio flashes with a touch of a finger.

L-478D for Still Photographers • Full featured Ambient-Flash modes including new T-F mode. Measure, compare, and mix ambient and flash displayed on a color, touch screen for beautiful, controlled, results.

The Sekonic L-478DR is commonly used for Everyday, Landscape photography, Portraits, Studio, Travel and more.The Sekonic L-478DR is most used by customers who consider themselves to be a Professional among others.The Sekonic L-478DR is popular because customers like the following qualities of the Sekonic L-478DR: Durable, Easy to use, Lightweight and Reliable

I've always used light meters when I did film photography and kind of forgot about them when digital photography was the new standard.reduced post editing by half. Since purchasing this meter, I probably will never use the meter in any camera I use again!I reccomend purchasing the availble 5 degree spot metering attachment. By far more accurate than any meter in any camera!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

Defective or am I missing something?

Now that I've seen what a light meter can do, I wouldn't want to go without one. However, I am having a problem with my new L-478DR that maybe someone else has experienced and can help me solve. The T option does not have 1/160s or for that matter 1/200 reading. It skips from 1/125 to 1/250 but there is no 1/160 setting which so happens to be the synch speed for my particular camera. I'd love to give this meter a top rating but must figure out what the problem is first. Unlike others, I find ...

Now that I've seen what a light meter can do, I wouldn't want to go without one. However, I am having a problem with my new L-478DR that maybe someone else has experienced and can help me solve. The T option does not have 1/160s or for that matter 1/200 reading. It skips from 1/125 to 1/250 but there is no 1/160 setting which so happens to be the synch speed for my particular camera. I'd love to give this meter a top rating but must figure out what the problem is first. Unlike others, I find the touch screen very sensitive. But, no, it is not quickly skipping over 1/160. That figure is simply not programmed in. Is there something that I am supposed to reconfigure? Let me know if you have the answer, please.

Reviewed by 15 customers

Wednesday, August 06, 2014

4.0

Nice bundle

By Bloodhound

from Fayetteville, N.C.
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Semi-pro Photographer

This is a good bundle for the money. The L-478 is right on when measuring, it's easy to use, fits nice in my hand and the touch screen works great. The color checker is a must for me also. The hard case protects it pretty good. The only thing I don't like about the light meter is the case it comes with.

Turns out I simply needed to go to 'Custom Setting' and change 'T-F Increments'. This is a great, fairly compact meter that is a must for those who are thinking about setting up an indoor studio. How nice it is to get perfect exposures right away. Will have to consider getting the spot meter accessory in the future. Yes, it would be nice if it was included but then one might balk at the price of the entire purchase. How about including quick set-up instruction booklet that covers the basics for those who have never used a meter.

Now that I've seen what a light meter can do, I wouldn't want to go without one. However, I am having a problem with my new L-478DR that maybe someone else has experienced and can help me solve. The T option does not have 1/160s or for that matter 1/200 reading. It skips from 1/125 to 1/250 but there is no 1/160 setting which so happens to be the synch speed for my particular camera. I'd love to give this meter a top rating but must figure out what the problem is first. Unlike others, I find the touch screen very sensitive. But, no, it is not quickly skipping over 1/160. That figure is simply not programmed in. Is there something that I am supposed to reconfigure? Let me know if you have the answer, please.

I shoot executive portraits using speedlights and pocket wizard's mini TT1 and Flex TT5's. This meter allows me to take an incident reading of the light falling on my subject. I can read the output of my main light as well as the fill and determine the light ratio. I can also read the hair light and background light so I can know the light output of those and I can adjust the output or each speedlight up or down to achieve the balance I desire. The meter triggers my speedlights which is a big advantage not having to have an assistant or the subject hold the meter as I trigger the lights from the camera. For outdoor portaits where I balance available light with a speedlight the meter tells me what percentage of the light is coming from the speedlight. The meter is an excellent tool and incident metering is not affected by scenes that are overly light or dark, giving perfect exposures every time.

This meter replaces another 14 year old Sekonic that is still working and is now relegated to carry around duty. It works very well and is far more sophisticated in terms of the number of controls and types of readings it can take compared the older model. The touch screen takes some getting used to, but becomes very responsive. It may take me a while to master all the possibilities with the new meter. The only thing I do not like is the choice of material for the body of the meter...it is some sort of indestructable glossy plastic...and I was used to the prior material - whatever that was. Just a personal thing. It is also suprisingly smaller.

Indoor studio sessions, Outdoors, on the beach, using both ambient and strobes. It is easy to use, has the pocket wizard trigger mechanism allowing you to fire off your strobes without having someone to assist you should you be alone testing your setup. It appears to be easy to break should you drop it from a fairly high distance. I'd like to see it more durable.

I purchased this meter primarily for use as a flash meter, to use with my Pocket Wizards and strobes, however I have also rediscovered the advantages of incident light measurement for my landscape photos! This meter excels at both and has measureably improved my photography on both fronts. It's small, but not too small, and has a great user interface. Some have opined that it isn't responsive enough to touch commands, but I must differ as I find the touch screen to be just right, with easily changed settings without the aggravation of an "overly responsive" touch screen. I have absolutely no complaints about its size or function, and couldn't be more pleased with this meter.